Research Methods:Ethics

Question 1

Informed Consent

Answer 1

Participants should be given comprehensive information concerning the research and their role in it before deciding whether to participate. Can be withdrawn at any time

Question 2

Deception

Answer 2

Should be avoided if at all possible. Only should be used where research is important and no alternative method is available. Passive - withhold info. Active - lie.

Question 3

Risk of harm

Answer 3

no more than ps expect in everyday life. physical and psychological harm. ps should leave study unchanged from how they entered it

Question 4

Confidentiality

Answer 4

Information obtained during an investigation mist remain confidential unless otherwise agreed with the participant in advance. Participants should be routinely made anonymous. Use numbers instead of names etc.

Question 5

Privacy

Answer 5

• Participant’s right to privacy should be respected
• Should respect social & cultural variability
• Participants may be unwilling to answer certain questions
• Should only observe public behaviour in public places

Question 6

Briefing

Answer 6

Before study, must obtain consent + ensure ps understand the tasks.

1. Should explain nature of study. come join!
2. whats gonna happen
3. do u fully consent
4. can withdraw DW!

Question 7

DEbriefing

Answer 7

After study, should ensure ps are returned to initial state and explain research.

1. Thanks.
2. True aim.
3. Deception soz
4. Reassure their performances
5. Can still withdraw. Consent?
6. Get feedback
7. Any Qs/Concerns?

Question 8

Presumptive consent

Answer 8

In situations where it is not possible to obtain informed consent from participants, one can get informed consent from others and presume that participants would have felt the same

Question 9

Marginalised groups

Answer 9

Samples may not be representative because certain groups were not tested (typically the disabled, old and minority cultures)

Question 10

Socially sensitive research

Answer 10

Studies where there are potential social consequences for the participants/target population

Question 11

Cost-benefit analysis

Answer 11

Involves weighing up the value of the research against the possible costs in ethical terms

Question 12

Equitable treatment

Answer 12

All participants should be treated equally

Question 13

Protection of participants

Answer 13

Investigators should protect participants from risk of physical or mental harm during the investigation

Question 14

Giving advice

Answer 14

Investigators should not give professional advice to the participant if they are not qualified to offer assistance to the participant during & after the investigation

Question 15

Ethical committee

Answer 15

A group of people who must approve any study before it begins

Question 16

Misuse of findings

Answer 16

Findings may be used to support unethical, politically or discriminatory practices